Meta-analysis of epilepsy prevalence in West Africa and its relationship with onchocerciasis endemicity and control.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:A high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy has been reported in onchocerciasis-endemic regions in Central and East Africa. There is compelling epidemiological evidence suggesting that this high burden is caused by onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). We hypothesized that OAE had also occured in West African onchocerciasis foci. METHODS:We searched PubMed, the African Journals Online platform and grey literature for population-based epilepsy studies in West African countries. Epilepsy and onchocerciasis prevalence data were extracted. The pre-control onchocerciasis endemicity in the study sites was estimated from historical data of onchocerciasis control programmes. The prevalence of epilepsy in different sites was analysed, taking into account onchocerciasis endemicity and

SUBMITTER: Siewe Fodjo JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7320426 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature